Nursing Home Malnutrition and Dehydration
People in nursing homes frequently are unable to care for themselves, and nursing homes have a duty to ensure their residents receive adequate nutrition and hydration. Failing to provide adequate food and water is a form of negligence.
If you suspect a family member's malnutrition or dehydration is the result of nursing home negligence, contact Chicago-area attorney Joseph Klest for a free initial consultation.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of nursing home malnutrition and dehydration as soon as possible. The elderly are especially susceptible to injuries caused by neglect, including injuries caused by inadequate food or water.
Symptoms of Dehydration and Malnutrition
You cannot always rely on the complaints of loved ones to discover negligent nursing home care. Many times the elderly are unable to communicate because of mental illness or other physical aliments. You must diligently monitor a family member under the care of a nursing home.
Signs of nursing home malnutrition include a sudden and dramatic weight loss, and a drop in the vital signs of a patient. Dehydration symptoms can include a urinary tract infection (UTI) and depletion in blood levels.
A nursing home staff has the obligation to provide adequate care for a patient. They must monitor food and fluid intake and output regularly. When nursing homes hire incompetent nurses' aides, increase the number of patients under staff care, or both, the risk of dehydration, malnutrition, and other forms of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect increase. The safety of your loved one should not rank lower than the profits of a nursing home.
If you believe your family member's malnutrition or dehydration is the result of nursing home negligence in the greater Chicago metro area, contact lawyer Joseph Klest. Schedule a free initial consultation with him to learn about your rights.
